SAVVY SQUIRE: Popular pub to become James Squire brewhouse

A MAJOR overhaul is coming to one of the region's best-known pubs, with the venue just days away from closing its doors for a significant refurbishment.

Once this weekend's Sea N Sound festival ends The Wharf Tavern will be no longer, with construction to start Monday on a new James Squire brewhouse.

The tavern was expected to close for about 10 weeks before reopening as The Savvy Squire at 123 Parkyn Pde, Mooloolaba.

Once a renowned nightclub venue, the venue will become a more family-friendly option, aligning with many of the establishments which had been set up as part of a $10 million revitalisation of The Wharf precinct over the past two years.

An ALH Group spokesman said The Savvy Squire would offer the James Squire and Malt Shovel Brewery range of beers on tap, as well as a number of limited release brews.

Locally-produced ingredients are set to feature in the kitchen, with modern pub food including share plates, pizza and pub classics set to feature on the menu.

FACELIFT: The Wharf Tavern at Mooloolaba is set for a huge overhaul.FILE

It will cater to a variety of dining experiences, including intimate spaces for small groups, traditional pub experiences and a stand-up space for corporate gatherings.

"The new hotel is looking to hire and train over 50 staff from the local area with recruitment well underway and is operated by the ALH Group," the spokesman said.

Evans Long director and co-owner of The Wharf precinct, Dirk Long, said the new venue seemed to be a "perfect fit".

"I've seen the drawings, it's really impressive," he said.

"That's (Wharf Tavern site) one of the last pieces of the puzzle (of The Wharf revamp)."

Dirk Long (left) says the Wharf Tavern site was one of the last pieces of the puzzle in the precinct's overhaul.Warren Lynam

Mr Long said the colour schemes being used tied in well with the precinct's, with lots of copper and neutral colours, similar to The Charming Squire in South Brisbane.

He said the increased focus on food would be a change of direction for the venue, and he thought it would only add to the precinct, not detract from existing businesses.

He estimated the investment being made both in the internal refurbishment and externally would cost "in the millions".

POPULAR: The Charming Squire in South Brisbane is a popular venue. The Savvy Squire will open soon at The Wharf, Mooloolaba.Contributed

The ALH Group spokesman said it was a "substantial investment" being made in the venue, which they still had about 25 years remaining on the lease.

Mr Long said there were plans to open up the western end of the tavern as part of the redevelopment, to make The Savvy Squire more inviting and accessible for people "meandering" through The Wharf complex to pop straight into the new brewhouse.